Belgian astronomers have paid tribute to David Bowie with a constellation of
seven stars near to Mars

A constellation has been named after David Bowie, in tribute to the Starman singer who died last week at the age of 69.

Belgian astronomers named the seven stars, which form the shape of a lightning bolt, after the singer.

Aladdin Sane was released in 1973 Photo: ALAMY

The constellation is, fittingly, near to Mars and was recorded at the precise time of Bowie’s death.

Its shape resembles the iconic lightning bolt that covers Bowie’s face on the cover of the Aladdin Sane album.

The wonders of the universe provided inspiration to Bowie throughout his career, with the persona Ziggy Stardust and hits including Starman, Life on Mars and Space Oddity.

"It was not easy to determine the appropriate stars," said Philippe Mollet from MIRA Public Observatory in Belgium.

"Studio Brussels asked us to give Bowie a unique place in the galaxy. Referring to his various albums, we chose seven stars - Sigma Librae, Spica, Alpha Virginis, Zeta Centauri, SAA 204 132, and the Beta Sigma Octantis Trianguli Australis - in the vicinity of Mars.

"The constellation is a copy of the iconic Bowie lightning and was recorded at the exact time of his death."

The constellation is linked to an ongoing tribute to the star, the "Stardust for Bowie" project developed on Google Sky. Fans of Bowie can create a personal tribute with their favourite song and a message in the shape of a star.